Audi A4

The petrol-powered A4 may have a modest engine for its class, but this diesel-powered vehicle is absolutely on par in terms of displacement and power figures. In that regard, the 2-liter, the four-cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 190bhp and 400Nm of torque. More crucially, the new A4 diesel is far lighter than the previous model (due to the use of aluminum in construction), which means the engine has less weight to carry around.

This powertrain has always been a lively and energetic little creature, and with less weight and a considerably faster dual-clutch automatic gearbox (as opposed to the CVT in the old A4), performance is good right from the start. There is some turbo lag at lower revs, but due to the broad torque band, this engine pulls strongly once past 1,800rpm, revving out to 4,500rpm without sounding coarse. It is, in fact, extremely refined, for the most part, remaining quiet and smooth even when pushed hard.

The A4's surprisingly rapid in-gear times are largely due to the 7-speed DSG that is now standard. This dual-clutch unit handles shifts with exceptional understanding, shifting cogs rapidly when pushed hard. Even in normal driving conditions, the gearshifts are silky smooth and precise. Thankfully, the hesitant response from standstill - a common DSG flaw - is barely noticeable in this car.

The different driving modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, and Individual) have no effect on the suspension, but they do change the DSG's responsiveness - in Dynamic and Comfort, the gearbox hangs onto lower gears, shifts up at higher rpm, and begins freewheeling as soon as you let go of the throttle.

Overall, the ride quality of the A4 is best described as supple. At low speeds, it is stiffer, as it picks up sharp-edged potholes and exposed road components to a greater extent than a C-Class. However, the firmer setup pays dividends at highway speeds; the compliant ride errs on the side of comfort and handles undulations and road imbalances considerably better than the old car. Despite the absence of adaptive dampers on the India-spec model, the A4 rides and handles well; the electrically-assisted steering lacks feel for the most part but is adequate for city driving.

The A4 diesel has the same appearance as the petrol-powered variant, so it looks sleek, classy, and unobtrusive in a true Audi way. The modest yet striking appearance is one of the reasons Audi has enjoyed great success with B7 and B8 generation A4 vehicles that have aged nicely.

The new A4 is somewhat longer and broader than its predecessor, but it keeps a balanced posture. However, there are a lot more sharp creases and sophisticated details than on the previous car; the front end, for example, features the trademark Audi grille, which sits lower and wider than before. The serrated lower margins of all LED headlights distinguish them as well.

The rear lights, like the headlamps, are LEDs with sharp recesses in their design. Surprisingly, the only design feature that distinguishes the diesel variant is the dual exhaust pipes (petrol-powered A4 gets a single tailpipe). Overall, despite the sharpened front end, there are fewer spectacular swoops and creases and more of the quiet modesty that we have come to expect from Audi sedans.

The new A4 definitely shines within the cabin. Audi, as we all know, invests much in the interiors of its vehicles, and this executive sedan is no exception. Everything from the fit and finish to the layout of the dash and instrumentation conveys a sense of luxury that other competitors lack. The dash's design is dominated by horizontal lines, as seen on the band of air vents. The latter is situated on the slanted and surprisingly slender dashboard.

The 12.3-inch instrument panel, dubbed the Virtual Cockpit by Audi, is unquestionably the highlight of the cabin. This all-digital cluster features stunning graphics and multiple interfaces for infotainment and driver settings.

The cabin is identical to that of the previous petrol-powered A4. The same sensation of openness and maximum comfort is provided for up to four occupants. Because the lower half of the dash is so tiny, legroom in the front is superb, and the seats themselves have sufficient side and base bolsters to keep you in place. However, the back seat is much nicer, with plenty of padding and a well-inclined seatback. The new A4's improved rear seat accommodation is immediately noticeable - there's good thigh support and more than enough legroom for even tall occupants. Unlike most of its competitors, the 480-liter boot is fairly large and fully usable thanks to a neatly tucked away space saver. Unlike most of its competitors, the 480-liter boot is fairly large and fully usable thanks to a neatly tucked away space saver.

With the new A4 diesel, Audi India has completely nailed the brief. The 2017 Audi A4 looks fantastic and is filled with technology and amenities to compliment its Rs 42 lakh ex-showroom price tag. It is slightly larger but vastly superior to its predecessor in every way.

The A4 35 TDI, like its petrol-powered sibling, is an impressive all-rounder, with refinement and fit and finish that some far more expensive cars cannot match. Sure, it's not as visually appealing or as exciting to drive as its competitors, but for those looking for a quiet and comfortable executive sedan with exceptional efficiency, the A4 is right on the money.